The Ithacas had been refurbed a few years ago; about half had been chopped down , parkerized and folding stocks put on them.
The firearms staff felt that they had outlived their useful life. I personally disagree, since they were older late 50's, early 60's guns of good quality. They were carried more than used, like any police-issued weapon. They were sold off for a fraction of their actual worth in the end.
I think the chief firearms guy at the time this decision was being made (actually a few years ago; the Ithacas were in storage for a while while the 870's were being considered)was not a particularly well-informed gun guy, so to speak. He just wanted new toys. I was irritated that when they DID go with the 870's , they went for a plain wood stocked model, no extended tube, no synthetic stock, etc. At least they got rifle sights.
The same guy opted for plain jane civilian , blued Mini 14 with 5 round mags when it came time to order patrol rifles, so that tells you his level of expertise. In comparison, plain Bushmaster Dissipators were only around $75 bucks more at that time than a Government model Mini, which is what he SHOULD have been comparing the AR's when he comparison priced various rifles.
Now I'm part of a vastly different range committee of what I believe will be some really dedicated shooters. The firearms program is under-going more changes than it's had since I've been with the dept (13 years now).We are supported by an exteremely pro-gun range instructor qualified Undersheriff, and have 2 competitive and one serious rifle shooter out of 4 range instructors
So, things are looking up here.
Sorry to babble. If you ever get up this way, drop a line and we'll burn some gunpowder.